Hadith #2702

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Wisdom is a tree that grows in the heart and bears [its] fruit on the tongue.

This beautiful statement by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of wisdom and its manifestation in our words and actions.

The word "hikmah" in Arabic refers to wisdom, which encompasses deep understanding, knowledge, and the ability to apply that knowledge in a righteous manner. It is not merely theoretical knowledge, but rather practical wisdom that guides our actions and decisions. This wisdom is described as a "shajarah" or a tree, symbolizing growth, stability, and the ability to bear fruit.

The Hadith emphasizes that wisdom

grows in the heart.

This signifies that wisdom is not acquired through superficial means, but rather through sincere reflection, contemplation, and a deep connection with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is nurtured within the depths of our hearts, where our intentions and beliefs reside. Just as a tree needs nourishment and care to grow, our hearts need to be nourished with the remembrance of Allah, the study of His scriptures, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

The Hadith further states that wisdom

bears its fruit on the tongue.

This implies that true wisdom is not confined to the realm of thoughts and ideas, but it is expressed through our words and actions. Our tongues become the vehicle through which our wisdom is shared with others. When we possess wisdom in our hearts, it naturally manifests in our speech, guiding us to choose our words carefully, speak the truth, and offer beneficial advice and guidance to others.

The Quran provides numerous verses that support the concept of wisdom and its importance in the life of a Muslim. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:83)

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the importance of speaking good words, which is a manifestation of wisdom. It reminds us that our speech should be characterized by kindness, honesty, and beneficial advice. Similarly, in Surah Luqman, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 31:18)

And do not turn your cheek [in contempt] toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and modesty in our interactions with others. It reminds us that wisdom teaches us to be respectful and considerate towards all people, regardless of their social status or background.

The consequences of embodying wisdom in our hearts and expressing it through our words and actions are profound. When we possess wisdom, we become a source of guidance and inspiration for others. Our words carry weight and influence, and they have the power to transform hearts and minds. Just as a tree provides shade, nourishment, and beauty, our wisdom can bring comfort, support, and enlightenment to those around us.

Furthermore, wisdom enables us to make sound decisions and navigate through the challenges of life with grace and resilience. It helps us to prioritize our actions, avoid conflicts, and seek solutions that are in line with the teachings of Islam. Wisdom also safeguards us from falling into ignorance, arrogance, and harmful speech, which can lead to discord and division among Muslims.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we are reminded of the importance of cultivating wisdom within ourselves. We should strive to deepen our understanding of the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt. By doing so, we can nurture the tree of wisdom in our hearts, allowing it to bear the fruits of righteousness, compassion, and guidance on our tongues. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to navigate through life with wisdom and to be a source of light and guidance for others.